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ThunderRidge Weekly Update

ThunderRidge Weekly Update
ThunderRidgeWeekly Update

Principal's Perspective Principal's Perspective

Principal Walhof with a student at this week's cupcake wars
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Happy Friday! What a weird weather week we’ve had—though it’s no surprise that Colorado has some tricks up its sleeve for spring.


We are in the final push toward the end of the school year. AP and IB testing have started, and we held our last round of Sophomore Personal Project presentations this past Tuesday. As usual, our students impressed me so much with what they can do! I recognize that this success doesn’t happen without a ton of parent and guardian support, and I deeply appreciate all you do to help your students succeed.


Additionally, our FACS students facilitated "Cupcake Wars" with students from Ranch View this week. Their projects were so creative—hence the adorable baby chick cupcake in the picture. I love seeing this cross-school collaboration and am grateful to our teachers and students for mentoring their younger peers.


As we approach the end of the year, please be aware that we have some adjusted schedules due to final exams (for both seniors and underclassmen) and graduation. Please see the revised schedules below for your planning purposes.


In other news, our Mario Kart eSports team just won an incredible 2-0 victory against both Discovery Canyon and Legend High School and are now State Champs! We’re also excited for our Girls’ Soccer and Girls’ Lacrosse teams as they head into the state tournament next weekend. Playoff dates are still being determined, but if you know any players on those teams, please congratulate them and wish them luck. We also had nine students place in the District Art Show—kudos to them as well!


Roxborough Primary School needs our help! If any students want to get a head start on next year’s community service hours during finals week (remember, finals are the priority!), please fill out this form. Principal McConnell will contact you with details if you are selected.


If you would like to share your thoughts on your experience within the district, here is your opportunity. The DCSD survey is short (about 7 minutes) and is due by Friday, May 8th. You may complete it more than once if your experience has differed from child to child.


Finally, I want to end with some wonderful news. ThunderRidge staff and families are invited to the DCSD Legacy Campus on Monday, May 4th, at 6:00 p.m. We are being honored with the John Irwin Award for academic excellence! If you want to come and cheer on TR, you are more than welcome. If you plan to attend, please RSVP here. Since Superintendent Kane will be sharing her "State of the District" speech that evening, students who attend can also earn community service hours (sign-in required).

Important Dates Important Dates

May 1 - Summer School Registration Opens

May 4-15 : AP Testing

May 7: Underclassmen Awards Ceremony - 5:30pm - Main Gym
May 11-13 : Senior Finals
May 13 : Instrumental Concert - 7:00pm - Auditorium
May 14 : Choir Concert - 7:00pm - Auditorium

May 15: Senior Checkout

May 20: Senior Awards Ceremony - 6:00pm - Main Gym

May 26: No school due to Graduation 🎓

May 26: Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony - 9:00am - University of Denver Magness Arena

May 22 - 29 - Underclassmen Finals

May 29: Last day of school

Bell Schedule for May 4 - 8 Bell Schedule for May 4 - 8

Monday - Blue

Tuesday - Green

Wednesday - Blue

Thursday - Green

Friday - All with PLC


Classes begin at 8:25am on PLC days. If your student needs to arrive at school prior to that time, they may go to the Library or Commons until class begins.

Breakfast will be available in the Commons.

Click here to view the TRHS 2025-2026 Bell Schedule

ThunderRidge Athletics ThunderRidge Athletics

Click here for the TRHS Athletics website

2026 TRHS Marching Band Information Meeting 2026 TRHS Marching Band Information Meeting

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Represent our school at football games, parades, field shows and assemblies.

Don't play an instrument? We've got a place for you in the Color Guard!

Friday, May 8th at 6:00pm

TRHS Band Room

Class of 2026 Information Class of 2026 Information

Student Information for Graduation Day

Gowns will be returned immediately following the ceremony in order for graduates to pick up their diplomas. Please be sure you have all photos taken ahead of time.

Students should arrive at DU's Hamilton Gym by 7:30am.

Parking at DU is $10 per vehicle.

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Graduation Information and DU's Visitors Guide

For your convenience, DU has provided a visitors guide for graduation. Please see the guide here for maps on where to park, how to enter Magness Arena, and where to meet your graduate after the ceremony. A list of prohibited items is also included. Please note that DU has a clear bag policy for graduations. Diaper bags and medical bags of a certain size are allowed. Please plan accordingly.


Tickets are not required and seating is on first come, first served basis. Doors open at 8:15am, and the ceremony begins at 9:00am.

Graduation Accommodations

DU is equipped to accommodate handicap parking and seating on a first come, first served basis. No reservations are necessary.

Today (May 1st) is the last day to order your cap and gown!

Order online now at urherffjones.com. For detailed ordering instructions, click here.

Senior Checkout

The following items must be completed before Senior Checkout on May 15th in order to pick up your cap and gown:

  • Naviance Graduation Survey - see Mrs. Szilagyi in the counseling office with questions
  • Community service hours submitted through Helper Helper
  • Textbooks and technology items turned in to the library - Books not returned by 12:00 pm May 6th will be marked as 'lost' and the fines will be added to your MySchoolBucks account.
  • All student fees must be paid by May 1st - Contact the finance office at trhsfinance@dcsdk12.org with any questions
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Senior Breakfasts

The following elementary schools are hosting Senior Breakfasts to congratulate their former students before they graduate. Click on your school's name below for more information, or contact your feeder school directly with questions.


Eldorado Elementary / Saddle Ranch Elementary

Click here for the Senior Finals schedule
TRHS Seniors Website

Student Spotlights Student Spotlights

Congratulations to our District Art Show Winners

Our students had a strong showing at the District Art Show, earning a range of awards and recognitions:

  • Andrew Denier – 1st Place, Commercial Art & Graphic Design; 3rd Place, Digital Art
  • Esme Pascoe – Honorable Mention, Commercial Art & Graphic Design
  • Addey Harvey – Ceramics, Legacy Campus Pick
  • Avery Pilger – Photography, Legacy Campus Pick
  • Emily DeVore – Photography, Legacy Campus Pick
  • Jacob Carpenter – Jewelry, Wilcox Campus Pick
  • Emily Naderseresht – Ceramics, Wilcox Campus Pick
  • Claire Higgins – Ceramics, Wilcox Campus Pick

Congratulations to these students on their work and recognition. Legacy Campus Pick and Wilcox Campus Pick recipients will have their work on display there over the next year.

Mario Kart team with CHSAA State Chapmionship banner and trophy
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Mario Kart State Champs

Congratulations to the TRHS Mario Kart team! With an incredible 2-0 victory against both Discovery Canyon and Legend High School, they are CHSAA State Champs!

Mario Kart tem competing
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Mario Kart team with trophy
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Mario Kart team competing
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Applications for the SAG are Now Open Applications for the SAG are Now Open

Students: do you want your voice heard? The Student Advisory Group (SAG) is looking for new members for the upcoming school year! This group meets monthly with district administration and school board members to ensure students have a seat at the table. Join us and represent your peers! Apply here.

IB Update - Exam Information IB Update - Exam Information

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We are pleased to share that the first week of IB exams has been a tremendous success. Our students have approached their assessments with focus, resilience, and a positive attitude, setting a positive tone for the weeks ahead. Thank you to our students, families, and staff for helping ensure a smooth and supportive testing environment.


As we move into the next phase of exams, it is essential that all students remain consistent in their preparation and logistics. A few key reminders:


Arrival Time
All students must arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of their exam. This allows time for check-in, seating, and distribution of materials without unnecessary stress or delays. Late arrivals may not be permitted to test, so please plan accordingly.


Exam Location
All IB exams are being held at the Mission Hills Church

Students should be sure they know the route, allow extra travel time for traffic, and arrive ready to go with all required materials.


General Reminders

  • Bring required materials (pens, pencils, calculator if permitted, etc.)
  • Leave prohibited items (phones, smartwatches, notes) outside the testing room
  • Get a good night’s sleep and eat beforehand
  • Stay for the full duration of the exam session

We are proud of how our students have represented ThunderRidge during this important time. Let’s keep the momentum going and finish strong!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the IB team at trhsib11@dcsdk12.org

Counselors' Corner Counselors' Corner

This past week in the Counseling office, TRHS Counselors met with 158 students to help with academic planning, social emotional support, and post secondary planning. We have been so proud to watch our seniors during their last month! We have celebrated seniors receiving scholarships and awards, watched them shine at senior boards, and even got a huge kick out of their senior prank!


The last task for seniors to complete is their District ICAP Graduation survey, which can be found on Naviance on the right side of the page under “tasks”. This must be completed to receive a cap and gown on Friday May 15th. Graduation is May 26th at DU! All information about graduation can be found here.


These last few weeks Counselors are working to identify students who need additional academic support and to ensure our rising seniors are on track for graduation. Counselors are also working directly with RanchView Middle School to help our rising freshmen as they prepare to become Grizzlies. Finally, AP and IB testing begins next week, and counselors will be coordinating and proctoring those tests, while we work to finalize schedules for next year.


Mindful Minute: Avoiding academic burnout

‘Tis the season: the end of the year, and students are SO done. We get it. We’re ready for summer too! With demanding school and life schedules, end of year excitement, worries and frustrations, students are very easily overwhelmed. This article outlines 12 tips for avoiding academic burnout. If you are one to say: “I don’t have time for this”, remember: when we prioritize our physical and mental health, we naturally do better, achieve more, and are more relaxed and happy!

Grizzly Hour Notes Grizzly Hour Notes

Freshmen

Freshmen attended the Sophomore Project Showcase, where they recognized the effort and dedication of the sophomores. This visit was also valuable in helping the freshmen generate ideas for their own projects next year.

Sophomores

Half of the Sophomore students presented their personal projects to the freshmen seminars during the sophomore personal project showcase.

Juniors

Did not meet due to extended Seminar.

Seniors

Did not meet due to extended Seminar for Sophomore Project Showcase Day 2.

Donations Donations

With sniffles, sneezes, and allergy season in full swing, the library is in need of tissue donations. Please drop off any boxes to the security desk. Every donation is greatly appreciated and helps keep our school community healthy!

Fundraisers Fundraisers

Flyer promoting a fundraiser at Chipotle for ThunderRidge High School Girls Tennis. The headline reads “Do Good with Chipotle,” with an image of a foil-wrapped burrito. The event details state that 25% of event sales will be donated to the team.
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Chipotle Fundraiser for ThunderRidge High School Girls Tennis

Saturday, May 2, from 4:00–8:00 PM
2209 W Wildcat Reserve Parkway, Unit E1A, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Order online for pickup using code KRBE7XC, or show the flyer in the restaurant


Additional Information:
Only orders placed during the event hours and for pickup at this location will count toward the fundraiser. Gift card purchases are not eligible. A minimum of $150 in sales is required for the donation to be applied.


Community Service/Volunteer Opportunities Community Service/Volunteer Opportunities

Bigfoot and Elpert posing in front of the Roxborough flatirons
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Roxborough State Park is currently seeking mascots for 6th Annual Bigfoot Goin' to Rock the Rox event

Roxborough State Park is currently seeking six enthusiastic people to be our Bigfoot and Elbert (CPW big horn sheep) mascots at our 6th Annual Bigfoot Goin' to Rock the Rox event. This public event is on Saturday, June 6 from 9:00am - 2:00pm, with mascots needing to be there from 8:00am-2:30pm.


Roxborough State Park partners with the Leave No Trace organization and was the first park in Colorado to receive the Gold Standard designation of achievement. The event offers many fun opportunities for the public to learn the principles of recreating responsibly. An important part of the day is our guest appearances of Bigfoot and Elbert. You will switch off being a mascot and being a handler for photo and engagement opportunities with our visitors. No speaking is required. You earn community service time towards graduation requirements while having a lot of fun!


Always a Grizzly… my son and I did it a few years back and the majority of our mascots have been recruited from TRHS over the years. If you are interested or would like additional information, please email me, Alex Fountain, at apfountain65@gmail.com.

Thank you very much for your interest and consideration!

Students: earn your community service hours at our elementary schools

Eldorado Elementary

  • Eldorado Elementary is looking for student volunteers to help us with childcare during each PTO/SAC meeting for the 2025-2026 school year. We need 2 volunteers per meeting. Please sign up here for the slots that you are available to help!


Trailblazer Elementary

  • We are looking for 2 volunteers to help us with childcare during our final PTO meeting school year (May 5) at Trailblazer Elementary. Sign up here!

Summer Camps Summer Camps

ThunderRidge Summer Athletic Camps

Please click here for information about ThunderRidge's Athletic Summer Camps

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TRHS Boys Basketball Summer Camps

13 Final Fours / 9 State Finals / 2002, 2003, 2021, 2022 State Champions


Full Day Camp

June 15 - 18 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm.

Next year’s 3rd – 8th graders Cost: $180

This is our traditional camp that we’ve had for 29 years. Each day will include 3 hours of group instruction, participation in practice, 2 mini games, cutthroat or contests. Campers must bring a sack lunch every day. Concessions will be available.


Elite Camp

June 22 - 24 5:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Next year’s 9th and invited 8th graders Cost $100

This is an advanced camp that will run much like a high school practice. We will implement the drills and points of emphasis we use with our players every day. We will begin each day with a team meeting. We want to create an atmosphere of high intensity, great focus and proper execution. We are limited to the first 22 campers to apply.


Register at

TR Basketball Camps Link

Questions? Email Coach Ortiz - joseph.ortiz@dcsdk12.org

Stone Canyon Summer Camp Larkspur, CO Overnight and Day Camps available
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Stone Canyon Summer Camp

Looking for fun, engaging, unplugged summer activities for your child this summer? Consider Stone Canyon's Summer Camp programs! Join us for a summer of fun, adventure, and friendship. Find registration links and more information here: https://www.stonecanyonedge.org/summercamp.


Located in Larkspur, we offer week-long Overnight Camps for 9-15-year-old campers and 3-day Day Camps (including transportation to/from camp out of Castle Rock) for 6-9-year-old campers.

TRHS Clubs and Activities

ThunderRidge is proud to offer a wide variety of clubs and activities! Click the bar above for a full list including meeting times, days and locations.

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American Furniture Warehouse Back to School
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Grizzly logo
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About Us

Principal: Liz Walhof

Mission Statement:

Empowering Grizzlies through curiosity, compassion, courage, community and service.

trhs.dcsdk12.org

1991 West Wildcat Reserve Parkway, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
303.387.2000

Facebook: ThunderRidge High School
X (formerly Twitter): @TRidgeGrizzlies

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